Family of Ludovica Piscicelli issue statement following daughter’s death in horror Bornholm car crash in April

Regarding the accident that occurred in Bornholm on April 10, we wish to write these words as the family of the victim. That young woman has a name: Ludovica Piscicelli, known to her many friends as Pisi or Ludo. Ludovica was 34 years old and would have turned 35 on April 15. That morning, just like every other day, she was on her way to work — a simple routine, built on responsibility and dedication. But along the way, Ludovica met a tragic fate. In a single instant, her life was cut short. Taken away, ripped from the love of those who cherished her. Since that day, we have read numerous articles published by local Australian media outlets. In each of them, the name, surname, and age of the person responsible for the crash are reported precisely. Of Ludovica — the victim — it is said only: “a 34-year-old woman who lost her life”. We find this choice profoundly unjust and dehumanising. Ludovica was not just a number or a line in a news article. She had an identity, a story, a family who loved her deeply. She had relatives, friends, and colleagues who admired and respected her — and who continue to remember her with affection. She had a life full of dreams and goals still to be fulfilled. She was kind, warm and full of light. Ludovica Piscicelli held a degree in pharmaceutical chemistry. After gaining valuable professional experience in Ireland, where she achieved major career milestones in a multinational pharmaceutical company, she chose to continue her journey in Australia. She loved this country, especially Denmark, where she truly felt at home. She has a brother, with whom she shared a deep bond of unconditional love and mutual respect. She treated everyone with kindness, always offering a smile, a gentle word to those in need. She had the gift of making others feel less alone. She loved nature, the ocean, surfing. She loved life and lived it with simplicity and authenticity. We are fully aware that nothing will ever bring Ludovica back. No one can fill the emptiness she has left in our lives or in the lives of those who knew her. But what pains us further is seeing that, in the media coverage of this tragedy, the most important part of the story, the person who is no longer with us, is left untold. With this open letter, we make a heartfelt appeal to the media: we ask you to reflect, and to choose to also tell who Ludovica was. Because only by giving a name, a face, and a soul to the victims can we truly convey the meaning of these tragedies. We, Ludovica’s family, believe in justice. We trust that justice will be served, in full respect of the law. This is a basic human right. Those who lose their lives deserve to be remembered with dignity. And their families should not be left alone. Even when grief is expressed in silence and dignity, it must not be ignored. Thank you for your attention. The family of Ludovica Piscicelli